Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice
by R.L. Merrill

From the author of the award-winning novel You Can Do Magic: Carnival of Mysteries and Publishers Weekly's BookLife quarterfinalist Earthquake Ethan comes a heartwarming holiday tale of found family and sacrifice. Two wildly opposite veterans connect over a shared love of art, rescue dogs, and a very special foster child.

Settling in the Bay Area after his stint in the Air Force, Doug Cross's new titles include business owner and member of a goth-punk band. And, apparently, professional do-gooder. When his housemate needs funds for her dog rescue, he willingly whips up goth-inspired dogwear to sell at a local craft fair. He gets a rather cool reception after offering a helping hand to their booth neighbor, however...which is a shame, because the bearded artist is the first man to turn Doug's head in a while.

Marine vet and single foster dad Luther Sorenson is struggling to keep his family afloat---and himself on his feet, literally. He's selling his paintings at the fair when his body betrays him, and he's forced to ask for help from the goth guy next door. Doug made a humiliating experience seem easy and innocuous, and despite their differing opinions on the military...Luther can't stop thinking about the charming man. His killer makeup skills and the way he rocks a kilt aren't helping.

The men embark on a tentative relationship, but as the seasons change, so do their circumstances. Navigating a new relationship is hard enough. Add in an adorable foster daughter, a new job, a business emergency, and a grumpy dog...and the two vets/artists will have to get creative if they want to carve out time for love.

Once Upon A Goth Dog Solstice is a part of the multi-author series Once Upon a Holiday Story. Each book can be read as a standalone and in any order. What links these books together is The Hook's Book Nook Traveling Library, a library on wheels owned by two old ladies in love.

Other Books by R.L. Merrill

You Can Make Me
Carnival of Mysteries

Moonwish
Sundowners Book 2

Midnight in The Renaissance Elevator: A Charity Anthology

R.L. Merrill's Bio

Award-winning author and Bay Area native R.L. "Ro" Merrill (she/her) is an advocate for social justice, a sucker for rescue pets, and a spinner of compelling stories. A veteran public school educator, parent of two brilliant young adults, and wife of a patient collector and fellow bookworm, she was raised on a steady diet of eclectic music and campy horror. She writes quirky and relatable queer and heterosexual characters that know how to use their words and are willing to work hard for their happily ever afters. Readers who dig swoony contemporary romance or shivery supernatural suspense will find themselves right at home in her extensive catalog. Her books contain killer soundtracks, generous amounts of spice, and enough laughs to get readers out of their heads and into their feels. When she's not writing, you can find her cruising in her Bronco, adding to her vinyl and skull collections, or head-banging at a rock show. Stay Tuned for More...